Roudier declared that, before anything else, it would be advisable to issue a proclamation to the inhabitants.

Pierre was, at that moment, reading the one which the insurgents had left upon the table.
"Why," cried he, "this will suit us admirably! There are only a few words to be altered." And, in fact, a quarter of an hour sufficed for the necessary changes, after which Granoux read out, in an earnest voice: "Inhabitants of Plassans--The hour of resistance has struck, the reign of order has returned----" It was decided that the proclamation should be printed at the office of the "Gazette," and posted at all the street corners.
"Now listen," said Rougon; "we'll go to my house; and in the meantime Monsieur Granoux will assemble here the members of the municipal council who had not been arrested and acquaint them with the terrible events of the night." Then he added, majestically: "I am quite prepared to accept the responsibility of my actions.

If what I have already done appears a satisfactory pledge of my desire for order, I am willing to place myself at the head of a municipal commission, until such time as the regular authorities can be reinstated.

But, in order, that nobody may accuse me of ambitious designs, I shall not re-enter the Town Hall unless called upon to do so by my fellow-citizens." At this Granoux and Roudier protested that Plassans would not be ungrateful.

Their friend had indeed saved the town.